Biotransformation/metabolism

Lipophilic xenobiotics and endobiotics are converted in the body by enzymatic reactions to hydrophilic products that are readily excreted in urine and/or bile. For this purpose, sequential enzymatic reactions take place, and several enzymes are involved. In addition, efflux transporters also have an important role in metabolism. Owing to the importance of biotransformation in reducing xenobiotics concentration and blocking functional groups, the process is subject to transcriptional regulation. Nevertheless, there are multiple factors that account for intra and interindividual variability in biotransformation.